UK Visa Application

UK Visa Application

28 November  2022 -  TPL Media 

How Nigerians can apply for a United Kingdom visa in 2022

It is the desire of many Nigerians to travel to the United Kingdom to work, study, or even have a family vacation. However, without a visa, they are unable to realize their dream. Through this blog, we will explain how to obtain a British visa. Tell us how to obtain a UK visa. If you have any suggestions regarding this blog, please share them in the space below.

Examine the sort of visa you hold.

Utilize the UK Visas Immigration website to determine the sort of visa you must submit and the required documentation.

Each form of visa necessitates unique papers, so examine your visa type thoroughly. If your document is not written in English, you may be required to provide a translation prior to submission.

You must determine whether you meet the conditions to submit an application for the desired visa. If you are unclear about what visa is suitable for you, try our questionnaire Do you require a visa?

Visa types for the United Kingdom in 2022?

In addition to knowing how to obtain a UK visa, it is crucial to understand that there are numerous sorts of visas for visiting the UK, each geared for a specific length of stay. Therefore, let’s examine in detail the various types of visa-

Visitor Visa

A person may apply for a UK visiting visa for a variety of activities, including tourism, business, participation in artistic and athletic events, transit through the UK, private medical treatment, etc. This is the essential class. Request a UK business visa.

Work Visa

Generally, a work visa is required to explore employment opportunities in the UK. Work visas are distinct from business visas and are further subdivided based on the type of work a person wishes to perform in the United Kingdom.

Student visa

Many students from India aspire to study in the United Kingdom. The government of the United Kingdom issues student visas to all international students who wish to study there. There are also three categories of student visas for the United Kingdom: Short Term Study-Visa (for short-term courses and valid for 6 to 12 months), Tier 4 (Child Student), and Tier 4 (students older than 16 years).

Prepare your paperwork for UK Visa

For each document you submit, you must provide both the original and a photocopy.

This document contains a copy of the biodata page of your passport (the page containing your photo). If you do not give a copy of each document, the original document may not be returned to you.

Passport A copy of the visa application form that has been completed and signed

Latest and valid travel documents or passports (your passport must contain at least 1 blank page on both sides so that we can place your visa)

Two-color, passport-sized photos in compliance with our photo specifications.

If you are not a citizen of the nation in which you are applying, you must provide evidence of permission to be there.

An old passport to demonstrate your travel history.

Evidence of your marital status.

Including letters of marriage, civil partnership letters (same-sex marital nuptials), divorce decrees, and death certificates.

Documentation of your present work or studies

Detailed travel plans, if available.

Include the registration fee. Your application cost will not be reimbursed, even if it is denied.

Identification cards, evidence of employment, a letter of invitation from relatives or friends in the United Kingdom, or a proposed itinerary are required for entry into the United Kingdom. Consult the website of the visa office responsible for your nation or region for further details.

Evidence proving you have sufficient funds for your trip to the United Kingdom. Depending on the conditions of your visit, the length of your stay, and whether you will be staying in a hotel or with friends and family, the amount of money may vary.

The British visa office in Nigeria can provide additional information.

If you transmit papers in a language other than English, you must include a full translation that we can independently verify.

Each translation document must contain:

Date of translation; translator’s full name and signature; translator contact information.

Submit your application for a United Kingdom visa with Gov.uk.

Submit online

Visit the UK Visas and Immigration website to apply for your visa when you are ready.

Ensure you keep a complete record of your travel history, including supporting documentation for each trip.

If you are applying for a visa on behalf of your family or other relatives, you will also need their personal information and travel history.

Pay the required visa fee

After submitting an application and choosing an appointment, you must pay for a visa.

This must be done online as part of your submission to Gov.uk.

If you do not possess a credit or debit card, you can choose a person to pay on your behalf.

Or, some visa application centers offer this service for a cost.

Determine whether the visa application center you select offers services.

Select your service

Choose Your UK Visa Application Service for 2020: After paying the visa fee, a reference number will be issued. It begins with GWF. Once you have the number, you can use a range of by TLS to customize future visits to the visa submission center.

Upload your supplemental files

Upload your supporting documents for United Kingdom for free. Visa for Nigeria

Official website allows you to submit papers supporting visa applications and personal information digitally, from the comfort of your home, school, or business, eliminating the need to mail vital paperwork to UK Visas and Immigration.

Important Links

Visit the UK visa application center for Nigeria

Attend your appointment

You must attend an appointment to apply for a visa. You cannot send someone to represent you.

Arrive fifteen minutes early

If you are applying for a visa through “Access UK,” you must present the following documents. Please bring the first page of your visa application form if you submit it through the Visa4UK website.

Please bring a valid passport or other travel document with at least one blank page on both sides.

Please upload your documents privately or, if you have paid for our document scanning help service, bring your original documents or high-quality photocopies to the visa application facility;

You will be required to provide fingerprints and photographs at the visa application center. This practice is known as the gathering of biometric data.

A digital finger scanner will collect 10 fingerprint samples, and you will snap a photo. The digital finger scanner does not utilize ink, liquid, or chemicals and will not leave any traces on your finger.

Your images will be shot with your whole face in view, and you are not permitted to wear sunglasses or normal glasses or cover your head, unless for religious or medical reasons. Your face must be free of hair that obscures your eyes.

Ensure that your fingertips are devoid of any decorations, injuries, scratches, or other marks that could compromise your ability to give good finger scans.

If you are applying for a visa for a kid under 5 years old, they must be present when you submit the visa application file, but their biometric information will not be collected.

Your visa application cannot be processed without Biometric data information.

Track the status of your submission

If your decision has been returned to the visa application center, you will receive an email. If you cannot readily access e-mail or desire more detailed tracking information, you may also select optional enhancements and receive SMS updates sent directly to your mobile device.

Return to the visa application center to get your paperwork.

After a decision has been made about your visa application, you can collect your documents at the visa application facility.

Choose whether to collect the documents yourself, send representatives to retrieve them, or have them sent by courier.

Bringing documents in person; carry a receipt issued by the visa application center and a government-issued identity card.

Send representatives to obtain your documents; they must bring a signed power of attorney, the receipt issued by the visa application center, and government-issued identification.

Visit frequently for further Visa Application Updates for the United Kingdom.

UK Visa Status

How to Obtain a British Visa After submitting the necessary documents, the applicant has the option of receiving them by mail or visiting the VAC to collect them in person. While completing the visa application form, the applicant may enter a valid mobile number and/or email address to get notifications regarding the visa application.

UK Visa Application FAQ

How can I obtain a British visa from Nigeria?

You can obtain a UK visa from Nigeria.

Filling Out the Application

Pay for Britain Fee for Visa Processing

Schedule an Interview Appointment

Move Your Documents

Move Your Documents

Timing of UK Tourist Visa Processing

Travel Insurance for the United Kingdom

What types of UK visas are there?

Types of British Visa

Visas for the Family

Family Reunion Visa Ancestry Visa Settlement Visa

Returning Resident Visa

Transit Visa Investor Visa

Entrepreneur Visa

Graduate Entrepreneur Visa Work Visa Study Visa

Visitor Visa

Marriage Visa

Tourist Visa

Medical Visa

Spouse Visa

How long can I visit the United Kingdom without a visa?

Under the United Kingdom’s new points-based immigration system, you can continue to visit the country without a visa. In most situations, you can remain for up to six months.

Can I acquire a UK Visa on Arrival?

No, there is no Visa on Arrival option for Nigerian passport holders coming to the United Kingdom at this time.

www.samigration.com

10 best places to retire in the world (including South Africa)

10 best places to retire in the world (including South Africa)

People are no longer waiting until their late sixties to retire and are practising extreme saving and investment so they can retire in their forties or even late thirties.

This approach requires saving as much of your income as possible, living exceptionally frugally and paying off all your debt. Retiring or early retirement is all about enjoying the fruits of your labour and proper planning, right down to where you will retire to once you’ve managed this.

Here are 10 best places to retire to in the world, according to Enjoy Travel. These places were chosen based on the cost of living, quality of life, ease of getting a visa or residency permit, and restaurant and rent prices.

The list also takes into consideration good weather, healthcare, hospitality, language barriers and the range of things to do and it offers a good mixture of everything.

Although South Africa didn’t make it into the top 10, it still deserves a mention as one of the best places to retire to in the world. In fact, it is in the Top 50, along with Kenya, giving places like New Zealand and Sweden a run for their money.

South Africa is a popular destination for expat retirees due to its mild climate, affordable living costs and sizeable expat population. For retirees looking to relocate, South Africa’s visa and residency permit system is ranked mid-level difficulty, but once you’ve got hold of it you can enjoy low living costs, a laid-back lifestyle and a famously high quality of living.

1. Slovenia

Slovenia has been rated as the best place in the world to retire, due to its relatively low cost of living and high quality of life. Retirees can enjoy endless forests, alpine villages and a colourful capital to relax and enjoy life. Visa and residency permit barriers are low too, while English is also widely spoken.

2. Portugal

Portugal has long been a favourite with retirees, thanks to its sunny climate, excellent restaurants and laid-back culture. From Algarve’s sandy shores to Porto’s wineries to its charismatic capital, it’s one of the most affordable places to live with an extremely high quality of life. The country also offers a range of visas and residency permits so retirees shouldn’t face many hurdles embarking here.

3. Estonia

Aerial shot of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city. Picture: Pexels

Estonia is one of Europe’s most captivating countries and boasts untouched beaches, more than 2 000 islands and acres of primaeval forests, making it the perfect getaway destination for every type of retiree. English is widely spoken and the country is also one of the cleanest and safest in the world.

4. Spain

Spain has been a favourite among retirees for decades, as it’s one of the most affordable places to eat out in western Europe. Retirees can also enjoy easy access to visas and residency, while the country boasts a strong healthcare system and affordable housing. Plus, it’s one of the sunniest countries in Europe, with hot summers and mild winters.

5. Paraguay

This landlocked South American destination is ideal for those looking to retire to an authentic, off-beat destination. Paraguay boasts spectacular scenery and glitzy cities. Retiring here is easy too, thanks to easy access to visa and residency permits, low relocation costs and a welcoming local and expat community, while eating out and rent is affordable.

6. Czech Republic

Czech Republic offers a winning combination of low living costs and high quality of living. Plus, getting hold of a visa and residency permit is ranked as easy. Summers are mild, though winters are frosty, making it best suited for those who can withstand chilly temperatures.

7. Hungary

Hungary might not be as cheap as it was a decade ago, but compared to most of Europe, its prices are staggeringly low. The cost of eating out in Hungary is the second lowest in Europe, while the quality of life is also good. It’s relatively easy to get hold of a visa or residency permit.

8. Croatia

Croatia isn’t just a hit with twenty-somethings, thousands of retirees flock here every year for a slice of the good life. Property and living costs are low, while the quality of life is high and the visa application process is straightforward for most nationalities. The country boasts world-class beaches, rich history and culture, plenty of Mediterranean sunshine and excellent restaurants.

9. Mexico

It’s easy to live well for very little in Mexico. Restaurants are excellent and cheap, while living costs are lower than in most countries in Europe. According to the Quality of Life Index, residents can live a high quality life, boosted by excellent weather, good healthcare, and a rich and vibrant culture.

10. Uruguay

Lastly, Uruguay is famous for its beaches, beef and brilliant soccer, but it’s making a name for itself as a hotspot for retirees, too. It’s one of the few South American countries with an easy application process for visas and residency permits. Cost of living is notably low, while the quality of lifestyle is high.


This is my South Africa. This is my home. This is a place worth fighting for.

This is my South Africa. This is my home. This is a place worth fighting for.

Daily Maverick | 28 Nov 2022

My South Africa is about its incredible people, the sights, sounds, music, smells and tastes. The stuff you only find here and nowhere else.

My South African is about a new democracy still struggling to find its feet and its voice. The heroes of the past and the activists of the present. The builders, not the breakers.

My South Africa is abundantly rich under the soil and above it. In minerals, in resources, in spaces and places, in fertile land. In people. The stuff the world wants and that we have.

My South Africa is about kindness, warmth, ubuntu. Generous people. Creative people. People who want crime to stop and to move from hope into a better reality. The ever-patient parents who just want their kids to be safe. Who themselves want to be safe.

My South Africa is the music of Hugh Masekela, Johnny Clegg, David Kramer, Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and more. Much more. The clicks, the clacks, the rhythm, the minstrels, the drums and our unique beat. The sounds you only really hear here. That come from here. That tell our story.

My South Africa is braaivleis, bobotie, bunny chow, koeksisters, chakalaka and umnqushu. Jungle Oats and Maltabella. Mielies. Pap en wors. Our flavours. Rotis, melktert, potjies. This is home. Our food.

My South Africa is the World Cup-winning Bokke, our Wafcon-winning Banyana Banyana, the brilliant Proteas, our ever-hopeful Bafana Bafana, our Olympian swimmers and gold medallists, our incredible Blitzbokke. A barefoot Zola, a diminutive Baby Jakes, an incredible Caster. Our fate-defying heroes on the field and off.

My South Africa is a home to world class businesses in banking, finance, technology, mining, agriculture, automotive and manufacturing. Medical, the first heart transplant. A continent-leading infrastructure that now needs saving and repairing, and begging to be fixed.

My South Africa is the bush, the wide-open plains, the crashing ocean and deep, unique smell of our sea air, because of our kelp. The mountains and our trees. Our lions, giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs. Our warthogs and aardvarks. The animals who chose this land and stayed. The animals that people come from all over the world to see.

My South Africa is one of Struggle heroes, a people who said no to tyranny, a people who want a better life. A people who want jobs. A people who want a government that cares. Truly cares. One that solves unemployment through job creation. And restores and returns hope to our wonderful people. Ever-patient. Resilient and creative. Restless.

My country is about all of this – and more. My South Africa, a place that embraced my Lithuanian great-grandfather when he stepped off a boat in 1897 when his own country rejected him, and his new country embraced him.

My country, where my Polish grandmother arrived in 1930 not speaking a word of English, while her family who stayed behind were murdered by the Nazis and their neighbours. 

A place of acceptance, diversity and multiculturalism.

A place where we found a new start, new beginnings. Our home for 125 years. A place that’s in my blood, my cells, my nose, my ears, my sight and touch. This is my South Africa.

And as I woke up this morning – for all her challenges, for all her struggles, for all we still need to do, to fix, to build, to fight against, to stand for, to create and save – I woke up happy to be here. To be home, my home, our home.

A place worth fighting for. A place rich in opportunity. For all of us. Each of us who call this our home.


7 Questions to consider before you emigrate to the UK

7 Questions to consider before you emigrate to the UK

The South African |  28 Nov 2022

1.    DO YOU HAVE THE CORRECT UK VISA OR WORK PERMIT?

You will most likely need a visa to live and work in the UK. The UK offers a number of visas so make sure you choose the right one for your needs. The Skilled Worker, Student, Ancestry and Spouse visas are among the most common.

Before moving, check the eligibility requirements of the UK visa you are applying for and make sure you know what paperwork you will need and how to obtain it. Providing detailed and complete supporting documentation is essential for a successful visa application and emigration to the UK.

The following documents are useful to have:

  • A valid passport
  • A passport-sized photo of yourself
  • Your more recent utility bills
  • Birth certificates if you’re bringing any of your children with you
  • Proof of your finances – bank statements (no more than three months old)

Consult an immigration adviser with extensive knowledge of UK immigration laws to ensure you complete the necessary paperwork correctly the first time and avoid mistakes.

2.    DO YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS ALSO NEED A UK VISA?

If you are a British citizen or hold a form of permanent residency (such as indefinite leave to remain or settled status), your family members will need to apply for visas to be able to travel with you to the UK. The family visa category includes several different permits:

  • Spouse or partner
  • Fiancé/é or proposed civil partner
  • Dependant (child/ parent)

You will need to meet a minimum income threshold of at least £18,600 a year or have cash savings of £62,500 to show you can support your partner in the UK. (If you have children, this amount will increase per child).

If you are going to the UK on an Ancestry, Skilled Worker or Student visa, your partner or children will need to apply as dependants on your visa.

Your dependants’ time in the UK is linked to your own visa duration, and generally, they will be allowed to work and study in the UK – subject to a few exceptions.

If you don’t want to move the whole family but still want to secure a future for your children, consider sending them to study abroad on a UK Student visa. The UK’s post-study Graduate visa makes it possible for your child to settle in the UK permanently after graduation.

3.    CAN YOU AFFORD TO EMIGRATE?

Moving to another country is an expensive process. Shipping, flights, visas and hotel bills when looking for accommodation all need to be considered. Do not forget the additional costs such as rent deposits, the possible furnishing of a new home, transportation, and education costs for children.

Consider setting up a savings account in the months leading up to your move to supplement your living expenses, especially for the first month. Be mindful of when you will receive your next paycheque after moving.

If you are aware of all the upfront and hidden costs of emigration, you can plan for the unexpected and ensure that you have all costs under control.

Sable International’s Explore Analysis and Report gives you an overview of all your citizenship and relocation options in terms of what you can afford, alongside an in-depth lifestyle comparison and financial planning.

4.    DO YOU HAVE JOB SECURITY?

When emigrating, you’ll undoubtedly have to tackle the matter of employment. It is important to allow yourself enough time for the process, so you can find the perfect fit and complete all your applications in time.

To help you get started faster, our top tips for securing a job in the UK:

  • Get your CV up to date and into a preferred UK format
  • Search the UK government website for job availabilities and industry shortages
  • Use a UK recruitment agency

If you’re going to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, one of the questions you should ask your future employer is how secure your new position will be. Skilled Worker visas are tied to the job, which means that if you lose your job, you won’t just lose a regular income but also your right to live in the country unless you can find a position with another company that has a sponsorship licence.

Obtaining your NI number

Your National Insurance (NI) number is the unique number given to you by the Department for Work and Pensions. It’s used to track your tax and NI contributions every year and ensure that you’re paying the correct amounts to HMRC. While it’s possible to start work without an NI number, you will be charged a higher “emergency” tax rate, so it’s worth getting this sorted as soon as possible.

We can take the stress out of your NI application. Get in touch and let us take care of the admin so you don’t have to.

5.    WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE IN THE UK?

Knowing where you will be living is an important part of any relocation process. Ideally, you should arrange temporary accommodation – call a relative to crash on their sofa, book a hotel room or Airbnb ahead of arrival. This will give you the time to get your ducks in a row without hastily making the decision to purchase or rent a home.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly or luxury option, you’ll find it in the UK. To find your dream home, make a list of what you want and start looking before you move. Here are our recommendations to make this transition as smooth as possible:

  • Consult your network of friends and relatives who may have already moved, as well as experts who know their way around the potential area.
  • Consider short-term rentals – These can help you feel more settled initially but give you the freedom of not being locked in.
  • Budget – Make sure you know what you can afford based on your UK salary and that you are factoring in extra unexpected costs.

6.    WILL YOU BRING PETS WITH YOU?

Pets are a part of our families. If you want to emigrate to the UK with your cats and dogs, make sure they:

  • Are micro-chipped
  • Have pet passports or third-country official veterinary certificates
  • Have been vaccinated against rabies
  • Have had a rabies blood test (if needed) if you’re travelling from an ‘unlisted country’
  • Have had a tapeworm treatment (for dogs only)

If you intend to leave your pet behind, make sure you have a trusted relative or friend with whom your pet is familiar. Make sure they spend enough time together before the move to become acquainted with their new surroundings and their new owner.

7.    WILL YOU ADAPT TO YOUR NEW ENVIRONMENT?

Moving abroad and leaving loved ones behind stirs up a variety of emotions. It is frequently described as both the best and most difficult thing. It is important that you have realistic expectations and coping mechanisms for this journey. Life will throw obstacles in your path, no matter where you are physically, and you will experience good times and bad. Remember that this is completely normal. Finding a community of like-minded expats will make your move a little easier. Open yourself up to new friendships and experiences.

Remember to also make a plan to stay in touch with your family and friends. Modern technology allows you to message and video chat from almost anywhere. Commit to calling, texting or sending an old-fashioned postcard to your loved ones regularly.

Moving abroad is a big step, but it could be the first step toward some of the most amazing experiences of your life.

www.samigration.co.za



Nigerian Airlines suspends its operations to SA due to SA denying its citizens Visas

Nigerian Airlines suspends its operations to SA due to SA denying its citizens Visas

Opera News |  28 Nov 2022

Is there any country in the world that is not having problems with Nigerians, from scams, drugs etc, sadly this is not doing the image of the country any good. It's highest dream of every Nigerian to come to SA, just like Zimbabweans. Nigerians come to south Africa and later they go abroad using our documents claiming to be south Africans, once they are found doing crime in those countries it poses danger to south Africans who travel abroad because of Nigerians.

The principled denial of visas to scrupulous foreign applicants is nothing but a plausible step into the right direction. The suspension of airlink by the Nigerian Gov gives us some security that, at least we don't need to worry about air transportation of unscrupulous Nigerians. Let the Nigerians tell us which country welcomes them with open arms and stop behaving like SA owes them something. Even if we wanted to receive them, they don't respect our laws. They run scams, brothels and drug houses. Even Pastors are a menace. We must never be apologetic. 

www.samigration.co.za